Huano Acacia vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro present two distinct options tailored to varying preferences and typing styles. The Huano Acacia, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable typing experience right out of the box. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize fluidity and speed in their keystrokes, whether for gaming or coding. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, offers a unique combination of a higher-pitched sound profile and a pronounced tactile bump, delivering a more engaging typing experience for enthusiasts who appreciate feedback with each keystroke. While the Acacia excels in its straightforward, linear action, the Lavender Purple Pro stands out for its bouncy and snappy characteristics, making typing feel more interactive. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro are strikingly similar, with both switches featuring polycarbonate top housings. This commonality plays a significant role in their sound profiles, as the use of polycarbonate—known for its stiffness—contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. The translucent nature of polycarbonate not only enhances the aesthetic appeal, especially when paired with RGB lighting, but also ensures that the sound produced remains clear and resonant. Since both switches utilize this material for their top housings, users can expect a similar brightness in sound quality, enhancing their overall typing experience regardless of the specific switch brand.
In contrast, both switches employ distinctly similar nylon bottom housings, which further influences the acoustic properties of each switch. Nylon, a classic material for switch housings, is softer than polycarbonate and absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This notable difference in housing materials suggests that while both switches produce a crisp sound on key release, the bottom-out sound and feel will lean towards a rounder and more muted character due to the nylon in the bottom housing. Therefore, despite their overlapping features, the unique combination of materials in each switch delivers slight variations in tactile feedback and auditory depth when a key is pressed down.
Ultimately, the design choices made in the Huano Acacia and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro result in a balanced interaction between the sharper resonances of the polycarbonate top and the deeper tones of the nylon bottom. Given that both switches utilize the same materials in their respective sections, users can look forward to a harmonized experience that captures the strengths of both polycarbonate and nylon. Consequently, the interplay of these materials ensures a delightful typing experience that highlights both clarity and warmth in sound, illustrating how variations in housing can still yield similar performance results.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch share identical specifications for both actuation and bottom out forces, with each requiring an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This similarity means that users of either switch can expect a comparable typing experience, characterized as medium-light in weight, which is beneficial for prolonged use, whether during extended work hours or immersive gaming sessions. Given that both switches have the same force requirements, they will deliver similar tactile feedback and typing feel, allowing users to switch between them without a noticeable difference in the effort needed to press the keys.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Huano Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that, for users who favor a more responsive and snappy feel when typing or gaming, the shorter travel distance of the Acacia may be preferable. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro could provide a more satisfying and deeper keystroke experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback. As such, the choice between these switches will largely come down to personal preference related to the tactile experience—whether one prioritizes speed and responsiveness or depth and feedback in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
The Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch is known for its subtle, quieter profile, which allows for a more subdued typing experience that can be great for office environments or shared spaces. While not completely silent, these switches are generally more muted, making them less intrusive than some of their tactile or clicky counterparts. Conversely, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch features a higher-pitched sound that resonates distinctly with every keystroke, thanks to the tactile bump. This contributes to a more pronounced acoustic feedback that many typists find satisfying, enhancing the overall experience. However, it's important to note that the sound can vary based on the keyboard construction and the type of keycaps used, so the actual sound profile may differ from what is described.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia switch provides a smooth typing experience, largely due to its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, minimizing any stem wobble and allowing for fluid key presses. It's an excellent choice for those who prefer a linear feel without too many distractions. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches are designed to deliver an enjoyable experience characterized by their "medium tactile" nature. They offer an accented tactile feedback that is noticeable but not overwhelming, giving the user a satisfying sensation during typing. Additionally, these switches are described as bouncy, snappy, and polished, which means they provide a spring-like response that feels lively and responsive, accompanied by a smooth key travel that not only enhances comfort but also accelerates typing speed.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offer unique and satisfying typing experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Acacia is ideal for those seeking a quieter, smoother linear experience, while the Lavender Purple Pro appeals to users who enjoy tactile feedback and a more pronounced sound with lively responsiveness. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific typing style and environment, and both switches can deliver delightful results tailored to different needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch should be driven by your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prioritize a smooth and straightforward typing experience, the Acacia is an excellent choice, boasting medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication that minimizes stem wobble for a consistently pleasant feel. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a linear response and a quieter typing environment, making it well-suited for both gaming and extensive typing sessions. Conversely, if you seek a more engaging tactile feedback, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro caters to your needs with its delightfully pronounced tactile bump and crisp, accented sound profile. Its bouncy and snappy characteristics provide a lively typing experience that can make every keystroke feel rewarding, which is perfect for users who revel in the tactile sensation while typing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value a seamless, linear action or a tactile, feedback-rich experience—the Acacia for flowing simplicity and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for an enjoyable, dynamic typing experience.
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